BROOKLINE, MA — In recognition of a lifetime devoted to faith, philanthropy, and service to the Greek Orthodox Church, Jeannie Ranglas, President of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during the 84th Commencement Exercises of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) on May 16, 2026.
The prestigious honor was conferred during commencement ceremonies attended by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, clergy, graduates, family members, and faithful from across the country.
A devoted steward of the Church and longtime advocate for theological education, Ranglas has played a significant role in supporting future clergy and lay leaders through her decades of service. As President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, she has helped oversee the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which has provided financial assistance to seminarians and students from the Metropolis for more than four decades.
Since its establishment, the fund has contributed more than $4 million to support students pursuing ministry and service within the Church, helping alleviate the financial burdens associated with theological and higher education.
In presenting the honorary degree, Hellenic College Holy Cross leadership praised Ranglas as “the embodiment of a friend of those in need, a philanthropist, and a devoted servant of the Church.”
The official citation noted:
“You have advanced the mission of Christ and His Church with your courage, zeal, and compassion. For your steadfast faith, your transformative generosity, and your inspiring example of Christian leadership, we honor you.”
The citation concluded by describing the Doctor of Humanities degree as the institution’s highest honor and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to recognize her extraordinary contributions.
A Tribute to Service
In her acceptance remarks, Ranglas redirected attention away from herself and toward the institution she has supported for many years.
“This honor is not about me,” she said. “It is about this sacred institution. Hellenic College Holy Cross is a treasure of our Church. It is the only accredited Greek Orthodox college in the United States, and the only place in our Archdiocese that forms our clergy and prepares our lay leaders.”
She emphasized the critical role the institution plays in shaping the future of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing its mission.
“I accept this honor not as something I have earned, but as a reminder of the responsibility we all share—to support this school, to strengthen it, and to ensure that it continues to flourish,” Ranglas stated.
Recognition from the Metropolis of San Francisco
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco praised Ranglas for her humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others.
“Those who know Jeannie understand that her life has always been centered on serving others quietly, faithfully, and generously,” Metropolitan Gerasimos said. “Yet it is important for the Church to recognize such examples of selflessness, philanthropy, leadership, and love, so that others may be inspired to emulate these good works.”
“The entire Metropolis conveys our love, congratulations, and gratitude to Jeannie on this well-deserved honor. AXIA!”
A Lifetime Dedicated to Faith and Philanthropy
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ranglas became actively involved in the Greek Orthodox Church from a young age. Following her marriage to her husband, Gerry Ranglas, in 1978, she relocated to San Diego and soon became involved with Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California.
At just 22 years old, she joined Philoptochos, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to ministry, leadership, and service. Over the years, she has served in numerous leadership capacities, including positions on the Parish Council, as Greek Festival Chair, and as President of the Cardiff Orthodox Housing Foundation.
Today, Ranglas is recognized as the longest-serving President of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos and has spent more than 23 years serving on the National Philoptochos Board of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Beyond her work supporting theological education, she has also been instrumental in expanding philanthropic ministries such as Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape, which provides support, care, and encouragement to children battling cancer and their families through regional camps across the western United States.
Her current service includes membership on the Metropolis Council, the All Saints Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Board of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center.
Together, Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas have also demonstrated a deep personal commitment to the Church through their support of Hellenic College Holy Cross, Leadership 100, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.
Married for 48 years, the Ranglases are the proud parents of Athan and Alexis and grandparents to Juliette and Georgia. The family is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of its first grandson later this summer.
As Hellenic College Holy Cross recognized during its commencement ceremony, Jeannie Ranglas’ enduring commitment to Christ, His Church, and future generations of Orthodox faithful continues to serve as a powerful example of leadership rooted in faith, compassion, and philanthia.
Her honorary doctorate stands as a testament not only to a lifetime of accomplishments, but also to the profound impact one individual can have through dedicated service to the Church and its people.
Please wait...